Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Match Preview: Stoke City vs Liverpool

Stoke City will look to extend their eight-game unbeaten run in the Premier League as they entertain a Liverpool side brimming with confidence.

The Potters have drawn their last three games and boss Tony Pulis will be looking to build on a hard-fought draw with Tottenham, especially since the Reds are yet to win at the Britannia Stadium in the top-flight.

City midfielder Charlie Adam looks set to miss out against his former team following the death of his father, with the club having allowed him to take compassionate leave.

Another former Liverpool old boy Peter Crouch is, meanwhile, expected to make do with a place on the bench while former Anfield legend Michael Owen remains sidelined despite declaring himself fit.

Liverpool will be in a confident mood when they travel to the Britannia Stadium after an impressive 4-0 win against Fulham on Saturday.

It was a massive turnaround from the performance against Aston Villa where they were comprehensively defeated 3-1 at home.

Brendan Rodgers is likely to bring Raheem Sterling and Joe Allen back in the starting line up, after both players started on the bench at the weekend.

Stewart Downing looks set to keep his place in the starting line-up putting in an impressive performance against the Cottagers, which also saw him score his first Premier League goal for his club.

Rodgers' side have only lost one of their last seven away games in the Premier League, winning two and drawing four while City are unbeaten in their last 15 games at home.